Police Officer (Academy Graduate / Participant / FTO)

Police Officer - Academy Graduate / Academy Participant / FTO

The City of Hayward is accepting applications for Police Officer Academy Graduates and Academy Participants. Police Officers at the City of Hayward perform a wide variety of law enforcement assignments including but not limited to : patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication. These require operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators of laws, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court, and providing information to the public. Those candidates who are currently participating in the Police Academy would be hired as a Police Officer Trainee ($5,837-$6,125). The Police Officer Trainee is hired into a civilian position for the period of time they are assigned to the police academy. Upon successful completion of training at the academy, Trainees will then be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer. Police Officer Trainee benefits are limited to those of a civilian employee.

The Hayward Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the city by maintaining partnerships with its diverse community, together creating safe and cohesive neighborhoods. We pledge to safeguard the lives and property of the people served, and to reduce the incidence and fear of crime. We do this by treating all people fairly and equitably; and by being ethical, honest, responsive, and professional in the services we provide. We are accountable to one another and to the community. The Hayward Police Department is comprised of a staff of 197 sworn personnel and 124 professional staff. The Department supports a Community Policing philosophy and offers excellent promotional and special assignment opportunities.

Under general supervision, the Police Officer patrols the Citys commercial, industrial, and residential districts; enforces laws and ordinances of the state of California and the city of Hayward, works closely with the community to preserve the peace and promote public safety; carefully documents own activities in written reports and statements; performs a wide variety of law enforcement assignments such as patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, radio communications, and administrative services; provides court testimony; investigates crimes such as burglary, robbery, assault, and disturbing the peace; assists firefighters and emergency medical technicians; and performs related duties as assigned.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following : patrolling the assigned area on foot or in patrol vehicle, making routine security checks, inspecting places of possible disorder and keeping alert to discover suspect circumstances or persons; operating a patrol car, motorcycle, or other vehicle; responding to radio and telephone dispatches and appearing at scenes of disorder or crime; resolving disputes, admonishing individuals, responding to accidents and providing emergency first aid; arresting and citing violators of laws and ordinances; investigating calls and complaints; investigating traffic accidents; preparing and documenting cases; writing reports; serving warrants and subpoenas; testifying in court; writing citations; investigating conditions hazardous to life or property; coordinating crime scene control; making initial investigations of crimes and crime scenes; assisting Detectives and other investigators in crime investigation; watching for suspicious cars, curfew violators and wanted persons; operating two-way radio equipment; taking fingerprints and photographs and processing evidence; assisting in booking and jailing prisoners; processing and transporting prisoners; directing traffic; questioning suspects and witnesses; providing information, directions, other services and assistance to the public; inspecting patrol cars / motorcycles, equipment and weapons to ensure proper operation; preparing for and participating in planned events; standing and directing traffic at collision scenes and demonstrations; controlling crowds; and cooperating with City, State and other agencies to secure areas at special events or crime scenes. Participating in special details and assignments. May serve as a field training officer.

Knowledge of : basic law enforcement terminology and concepts; public relations in law enforcement; techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations; safe vehicle operation; and principles of first aid. Ability to : learn principles, practices, procedures, terminology and operation of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation; read and interpret laws, ordinances, regulations and Department policies; analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action; drive a vehicle safely; write clear, concise and accurate reports; understand and follow oral and written directions; observe and accurately recall places, names, faces, descriptive characteristics and details of incidents; perform physical tasks inherent in the work of a Police Officer; be courteous but firm with the public when needed; react quickly and calmly under emergency and stressful situations; make sound decisions; develop skill in the use of a firearm; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time.

Experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be : one (1) year in a law enforcement agency within the last thirty-six (36) months and possession of a current Basic California P.O.S.T Certificate. OR currently employed by a law enforcement agency and have successfully passed a field training officer (FTO) program, but have yet to complete probation. OR successful completion of a California Basic P.O.S.T approved academy certificate. Obtained within the past eighteen (18) months from date of application is desirable. High school diploma or equivalent. Possession of an Associates degree or Bachelors degree from an accredited institution is desirable. Free of any felony convictions. Legally authorized to work in the United States as outlined by federal law. Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment. Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20 / 30. Must pass a background investigation. Must meet all Department medical, physical and psychological standards. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Drivers License.

Essential duties require the mental and / or physical ability to : work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; work in a field environment in various weather conditions; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse / trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; walk, stand, crouch, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat, stoop, run and safely lift and move equipment and material weighing up to 45 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and to small or large groups and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical, and complex documents, interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner; and safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County to fulfill assigned duties. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Probationary period : Two (2) years.

Benefits overview includes : your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution); CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan; dental insurance; vision insurance; life insurance; disability insurance; paid leave; paid holidays; flexible spending accounts; tuition reimbursement; health and wellness reimbursement; professional development reimbursement; and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid). Other employee-paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.